Myrtle E. Shay, 97, of Perryville near Parker died Thursday morning at UPMC Northwest, Seneca, Venango County, after an illness.

Born Nov. 14, 1908, in Perry Township, Clarion County, she was the daughter of Lawson and Blanche Adams Goodman.

She had been a caretaker in many homes in the Parker area for much of her adult life and had been a caregiver for several people in ill health. She also had been a housekeeper for the late Dr. Clinton R. Coulter and his wife of Parker for years.

Mrs. Shay's quilts, embroidery work and crocheted pieces were the envy of many due to their originality. She also was skillful in gardening, floral gardening and canning. Her dedication to housecleaning, especially windows, was enjoyed and appreciated by her family and employers.

She was a Protestant and was affiliated with the Perryville United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Marie Bernlohr of York and Lillian Riley and Erma Barber, both of Youngstown, Ohio; and a daughter-in-law.

Nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Her husband, Russell H. Shay, whom she married Aug. 16, 1927, died Dec. 4, 1996. She also was preceded in death by a son, a son-in-law, a great-grandson, seven brothers and three sisters.

<B>SHAY</B> — Friends of Myrtle E. Shay, who died Thursday, June 22, 2006, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the <B>H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home</B>, Wayne Street, Parker. Visitation also will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Perryville United Methodist Church, where funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Rob Herman officiating. Burial will be at Perryville Cemetery.